Ex-student James Gillingham and his band ‘Congratulations’ signed a record deal with Bella Union earlier this year.
James started studying at Colchester Institute in 2012 on the Popular Music course, he studied here rather than A-Levels at another college, as he wanted to study one course in greater detail.
He started playing the drums when he was eight and had drumming lessons thereafter. James now teaches other people to play the drums. “It is really lovely to feel like I have been there and remember it and how they felt, how fun it can be, how hard it can be. I feel like I can help them at every age group.”
On completion of his course, James went on to study a BA (Hons) in Popular Music at Brighton Music College (BIMM) and in 2021 formed the band ‘Congratulations’ with some of his university friends.
James said “Music is a combination of knowledge, practical skills and people. The people I met at college I am still friends with today and were part of my journey. I wouldn’t be here now without all those experiences. The teachers I had at Colchester Institute made my experience.”
